Diaper rash cream can protect a baby’s soft skin, but can it also soften a thick psoriasis plaque? “Just been reading about Desitin Maximum Strength diaper cream — apparently it can treat psoriasis with great results,” one MyPsoriasisTeam member wrote.

“Get some A+D diaper rash ointment,” another member replied. “It will protect and heal your skin. It also stops the flakes better than any other oil or cream. It will soften plaques so that they can come off very easily.”

Diaper rash cream is easy to find at most supermarkets and drugstores, making it a convenient and affordable treatment for dry, irritated skin. This article covers what’s in diaper rash creams, whether they’re a good option for psoriasis, and how to apply them safely.

What Is Diaper Rash Cream?

Diaper rash cream is a thick substance, usually a gel or paste. It’s commonly used to provide a barrier between a baby’s skin and the diaper. This barrier helps reduce moisture and painful irritation.

Most diaper rash creams are made with zinc oxide or petroleum jelly. These ingredients create a waterproof layer that protects skin from friction or rubbing. Some creams include ingredients such as cod liver oil, calamine, lanolin, calendula, bentonite, and corticosteroids. Antifungal medications like nystatin or clotrimazole are sometimes added, since fungus and yeast can grow in the moist diaper area.

Zinc oxide also has skin-healing properties. It’s the main active ingredient in Desitin Maximum Strength Original Paste and A+D Diaper Rash Cream. Zinc oxide can be used to prevent and treat minor cuts and burns, and is also found in many sunblocks.

Petroleum jelly is often used to relieve dry skin, protect small cuts and scrapes, prevent chafing (such as between the thighs while running), and hydrate nail cuticles. Common petroleum jelly-based products include Vaseline and Aquaphor.

Is Diaper Rash Cream Recommended for Psoriasis?

Because zinc oxide and petroleum jelly are used for many skin issues, it’s understandable that people with plaque psoriasis might wonder if these ingredients could help. However, there’s little dermatology research on using zinc oxide cream specifically for psoriasis plaques.

Other types of zinc, such as topical zinc pyrithione and oral zinc sulfate, have been studied for skin conditions such as psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis, but these forms are different from the zinc oxide in diaper rash cream. Right now, there’s no evidence that zinc oxide is safe or helpful for treating psoriasis skin plaques.

Petroleum jelly has been more widely studied as a moisturizer for psoriasis. This substance can help ease dry, itchy, scaly skin, and it’s commonly used as a base in topical prescription treatments. Petroleum jelly tends to work best when it’s applied right after a bath or shower, while the skin is still warm and damp.

Genital psoriasis is different from plaque psoriasis on other parts of the body because the skin in that area is more sensitive. Not all psoriasis treatments can be safely applied to the genital region. Before using any topical products — even diaper rash cream — in your genital area, check with your dermatologist (a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating skin, hair, and nail conditions).

How To Use Diaper Rash Cream Safely

Diaper rash cream is generally safe to use, but you should keep a few key points in mind. First, it’s a good idea to talk with your doctor before trying any new cream or paste. They can help you make sure it won’t interfere with any prescription treatments you may be using.

To make sure a new product is safe for your skin, you can test it by applying it to the same small spot of skin twice a day for seven to 10 days. If your skin doesn’t become discolored, itchy, or swollen, the product is likely safe to use.

Here are a few other safety tips:

• Wash your hands with soap and water before applying diaper rash cream.
• Follow the directions on the label.
• Use the product on the skin or scalp only.
• Don’t apply it to open cuts or wounds.

Side Effects of Diaper Rash Cream

Most diaper rash creams generally don’t cause side effects. However, some people may have an allergic reaction to either the cream or its fragrance and develop symptoms such as hives, swelling, or discolored skin. If you have psoriasis or sensitive skin, choose a fragrance-free option to reduce the risk of worsening irritation.

There’s limited information about whether it’s safe to use zinc oxide during pregnancy, but petroleum jelly is considered safe during pregnancy and for children.

Always talk with your primary care doctor or dermatologist before using an over-the-counter product such as diaper rash cream for the first time. They can help you decide if it’s safe to use with your current psoriasis treatments.

Talk With Others Who Understand

On MyPsoriasisTeam, the social network for people with psoriasis and their loved ones, members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with psoriasis.

Have you tried diaper rash cream for your psoriasis? What tips do you have about over-the-counter topical treatments for plaques? Share your experience in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.